Education Policy Fellowship Program

Program Components & Eligibility

EDUCATION POLICY FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMFor People Seeking Better Results for Children and Youth

We are pleased you are considering EPFP. Please read this information carefully.

The Education Policy Fellowship Program (EPFP) is a ten-month professional development program for individuals whose work record reflects strong leadership abilities and a concern for improving the life chances of children and youth. Participants in EPFP hold full-time positions in diverse organizations at the local, state and national levels. Fellows are supported by their employing agencies.

The Fellowship Program

Fellows remain in their full-time positions and use their work environment as the context for examining important leadership and policy issues in their states and in the nation. EPFP activities are directed by three on-site Coordinators.

EPFP brings Fellows and ideas together through varied on-site learning opportunities (such as seminars, informal discussions, site visits, skill development workshops, and individual and/or group projects), through electronic networking and information sharing, and through participation in one regional and one national conferences that take place during the Fellowship year and that bring together Fellows from other program sites.

The regional conference in the fall is a Leadership Forum that heightens Fellows' understanding of leadership challenges and of themselves as leaders. The spring national conference is the Washington Policy Seminar, which increases Fellows' knowledge of national policy issues and processes and gives them a chance to identify the impact of national policy on their work. Participation in EPFP yields important results. EPFP's complementary work/learning, state/national, actual/virtual activities provide Fellows with a unique personal development laboratory for applying new insights and for practicing new skills. Fellows are given many opportunities to

develop a broadened understanding of the policy process,

hone their communications and decision-making skills,

refine their potential for leadership, and

expand their network of professional colleagues.

As a result, employing agencies are rewarded with better informed and more skillful employees.

Program Fees and Employer Sponsorship

The employing agency pays the program fee of $2,800 for each Fellow and pays the program-related travel costs to the regional and national meetings. In addition, the employer provides release time for on-site and national activities.

Eligibility and Selection Process

EPFP invites your application if you have:

a track record for making things happen -- inside and across agencies/organizations

substantive work experiences

a bachelor's degree or its equivalent

a full-time professional position

the endorsement and financial support of your employing organization

a commitment to personal and professional development on behalf of children and youth

EPFP requires participation in on-site training activities which are generally, but not always, half-days held on Monday afternoons. In addition, Fellows are expected to attend the regional and national conferences. Please consider these extra demands on your time in light of your current professional and personal schedule. If you cannot participate fully in EPFP, please do not complete the application.

Selection and Site Schedules

April/June

EPFP application material distributed.

July/August

Applications returned to EPFP Coordinators.

Early September

Fellows notified of acceptance.

Mid-September

Fellowship program begins.

IEL announces the Fellowship program through individuals, agencies and organizations at each program site. Application material is distributed and collected by EPFP Coordinators. Final selection of Fellows is made jointly by EPFP Coordinators and representatives of the employing agency. EPFP schedules vary from site to site. Please contact the EPFP Coordinator in your state to obtain site-specific programming and scheduling information.

Application Instructions

Please complete the entire application and return it to the EPFP Coordinator in your state. The endorsement section must be completed for your application to be considered.